“I really was dreading this phone call,” Lopez admitted to the AI host.

Yesterday, the singer was still up in the air about her Idol future, But today, she explained that with her kids getting older and the show’s schedule, it was starting to feel like a lot and was beginning to interfere with the other parts of her life.

“I honestly feel the time has come to get back to do what I do,” she said. “I have put it on hold because I love Idol so much. You have a lot of other responsibilities and other things you want to do.”

She added, “I feel like we had an amazing run.”

Though Jennifer is saying her goodbyes, she isn’t breaking all ties with the reality show. She said she would be more than willing to help out her Idol family in the future.

“No matter what you guys need over there, I’m always going to be here,” she said to Seacrest. “I feel there’s that tie there. I just can’t be there every day like I was for the last two years.”

With two slots open, who should become the new Idol judge? Vote below for your favorite or add your own!